News flash from Ewrin Puts regarding a new 1.25x magnifier for the M6 eyepiece. He's using the prototype. Says it small and likes it.

Means: .58 goes to .72 .72 goes to .90 .85 goes to 1.06

Anyone know about release dates or prices?

Cheers.

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), August 25, 2001

Answers

I e-mailed Erwin when I got his notice, hope to hear from him. I've been using an old Minolta SLR viewfinder magnifier on my M6 for years, just holding it in place (I have a 2x teleconverter and with the 135 lens I use the rangefinder patch itself to frame the 270mm view, and the magnifier really helps!). What I want to know is if the Leica magnifier flips-up out of the way, and how it attaches to the camera.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 26, 2001.

If this is true, and it is suitably elegantly engineered, it should be an instant hit with anyone who owns a telephoto Leica lens.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), August 26, 2001.

Does anyone have a link to more info about this item? Did Erwin mention it somewhere on his web site?

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), August 27, 2001.

I just found out from my dealer that Lisle-Kelco has them in stock in Canada. Available in black or chrome. They are $500 CND, so that would make them about $300 to $350 USD. Too rich for my blood at the moment...

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), August 27, 2001.

It sounds suspiciously like L-K thought the dealer was asking about the 21/24/28 finder.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), August 27, 2001.

Hmmm - that could be. I'll ask him - when I get the catalog number we'll know for sure.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), August 27, 2001.

Sounds real neat, especially for us 0.58 users that might use a 90mm sometimes.

However...

I suspect that adding 1.25x to the M6 occular does not yeild improved focusing accuracy like a 1.25x over the viewfinder and ringefinder windows (like with "eyes") would. It seems like it would just magnify the short base line measurement, not actually increase the baseline length. Any of you optical gurus know for sure?

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), August 27, 2001.

Effective base length is a function of physical base length mutiplied by magnification. It will work just fine if the magnifier is of good quality. All M cameras have the same physical base length, just different magnifications. If this magnifier can be fliped out of the way, and, if it maintains most of the field of view; then it will be great for having both eyes open while using a 35mm lens!

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), August 27, 2001.

If it really does cost $300, it would be the most expensive glass per pound in current Leica line up. Seems to me even at Leica ridiculous accessory prices, $125 should get you an eye piece magnifier. $300 can nearly buy a really nice prime Voigtlander lens with finder! Maybe we could convince Voigtlander to start making a few more Leica accessories (to add to the screw to m adapters and finders they now have)

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 27, 2001.

Andrew, I may have been quoted the price for the 21/24/28 zoom finder by mistake. If I find out an accurate price and a catalog number I'll post it.

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), August 27, 2001.

I'd like to know if this will be for M6 only, or whether it can be used on earlier (M3 to M4-P) bodies with the brass eyepiece.

Oooo! Oooo! A .9x M4-2!

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), August 27, 2001.

Hm, wonder if it will fit over the M3 eyepiece...

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), August 28, 2001.

Sorry, Andy, you beat me to it.

As I said, if this is nicely made, it will SELL and be in short supply.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), August 28, 2001.

I had the chance to play with it in May (Solms). It's a great product. Really an improvement with the 90 and 135mm.

Lucien

Official information, thanks to Rich Pinto www.photovillage.com

www.photovillage.com

LEICA VIEWFINDER MAGNIFIER M 1.25 x (Order No. 12 004)

The viewfinder magnifier is screwed onto the eyepiece of the camera. These are the features:

1. Magnification of the viewfinder image by 125%, therefore easier composition with focal lengths from 50 mm – 135mm. For Example, a 0.58 viewfinder becomes a 0.72 VF; a 0.72 viewfinder becomes a 0.90 VF; and a 0.85 viewfinder becomes a 1.06 VF.

2. An increase in the focusing accuracy due to the 25% increase in the effective measuring base.

3. Rubberized eyepiece of the viewfinder magnifier protects eyeglasses from scratches.

4. Use of correction lenses for LEICA M

5. The retaining chain, with snap locks, can be hung onto the viewfinder magnifier and onto the camera to prevent accidental dropping or loss of the magnifier.

6. Leather case with snap fastener allows the viewfinder to be stored on the camera’s carrying strap, protected and ready to use.

Description VF Magnifier 1.25x Black Anodized Cat. # 12 004 List 279.00 MAP (street price) 229.00

Product Specifications:

Principle: Galilean telescope Optical system: 2 elements in 2 groups Viewfinder magnification: 1.25x Ocular Rubber Setting with thread for correction lenses M (+/- 3 dioptres) Usable cameras: All LEICA M-cameras Housing Made of black anodized aluminum, chain with two snap-locks made of brass in black chrome finish Dimensions ( x D) 18 mm x 7,5 mm (.7 in x .3 in) (as of eyepiece mounting flange) Weight Approx.: 7 g (with chain) Included in delivery: Retaining chain with two snap locks, black leather case with loop and snap fastener.

-- Lucien (Lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), August 31, 2001.

That sounds like a serious winner. Thanks for the details, Lucien. I'll be putting in an order for one tomorrow.

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), August 31, 2001.

Cheers All.

Looks like a definite winner. 200 bucks to turn my M6 into a metered M3....whooo hooo!

-- Simon Wong (drsimonwong@hotmail.com), September 01, 2001.

On an M3 with a 90, it will create one serious portrait machine.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), September 01, 2001.